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NARC President Meets with Key Federal Agencies
Cassano Looks to Strengthen Partnerships and Opportunities
Washington, DC (October 1, 2009) – The Honorable Stephen Cassano, President of the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) and Selectman, Town of Manchester, Connecticut, last week conducted meetings in Washington, DC with key federal agencies to discuss the important role local governments and regional planning organizations play in policy and program areas. President Cassano met with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs Deputy Secretary Ron Sims, and several senior staff of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“These agencies are engaged and ready to bolster relationships with local governments and regional planning organizations,” said NARC President Stephen Cassano. “I am encouraged by their clear direction and the specific areas where NARC and our membership can assist, particularly within the livability initiative that crosscuts many federal agencies and programs.”
President Cassano’s meetings focused on the following issues:
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Economic development;
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Surface transportation authorization;
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Livable/Sustainable Communities;
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Climate change; and,
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Water and wastewater;
“I was honored to meet with such dedicated, forward thinking individuals,” stated President Cassano. “I am optimistic that regional planning organizations and local governments of all sizes and shapes will continue to have a powerful voice in federal efforts to improve the safety, prosperity and well being of our citizens and communities.”
For more information about these meetings, please contact Fred Abousleman at fred@NARC.org or 202.986.1032, x216.